Jagan's Memorial Cycling Road Race kicks off with 1st leg tomorrow

An annual fixture on the cycling calendar of activities in Guyana, the Jagan's Memorial Cycling Road Race, cycling fans and cyclists alike will be pleased to know that all three stages have been confirmed for the month of March according to the organisers, the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC).

The first leg of the race set for the roadways of West Demerara, will pedal off at 8:30 am tomorrow starting at Schoonord on the West Bank of Demerara, proceed to Bushy Park on the East Bank of Essequibo, and will then return to the point of origin for a grandstand finish.

The first leg of the race, which covers a distance of 41 miles, will see heated rivalry in various categories, including Seniors, Juniors, Veterans (Open), Veterans (Over 50), and Ladies. The Veterans over 50, Veterans (Open) and Ladies will turn back at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC) at Edinburg, West Coast Demerara and return to the starting point for their finish.

In an invited comment to Stabroek Sport, Flying Ace's Linden Dowridge was upbeat in his assessment of the expected field on Sunday. "We do expect a high level of competition at this event as most of the top cyclists in the country are currently here, so fans and supporters can come out and expect high octane action. I encourage all and sundry to come out and enjoy some quality cycling".

Trophies will be awarded to the winners of all the respective categories along with cash prizes. The winner of the senior/elite category will wheel away with $20,000 while there are 10 Primes (Sprint prizes) on offer throughout the race at $1500 apiece. Registration for the race will cost $2000 per cyclist.

The second leg of the race will be held next Sunday (March 10), this time along the roadways of Berbice. That leg will begin at Freedom House in New Amsterdam at 8:00Am , proceed to Springlands Police Station, and return to the Babu John School for the finish, a total of 70 miles. The third leg is slated for Essequibo on March 31.

The prize structure is as follows:

Seniors:

1.$20,000 2.$15,000 3.$12,000 4.$10,000 5.$8,000 6.$5,000

Juniors:

1.$12,000 2.$9,000 3.$7,000

Vets (Open):

1.$12,000 2.$9,000 3.$7,000

Vets (Over 50): 1.$10,000 2.$8,000 3.$7,000

Ladies:

1.$10,000 2.$8,000

Primes (10): $1,500 each